a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation – EIN 99-3474773
a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation – EIN 99-3474773
Are you tired of passing when someone asks if you want to take a solo during a jam? Does vague advice like “the notes are in the chords” fall flat when you actually try to take a break? You’re not alone—and the good news is, taking a break doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple strategies and some hands-on play time, you’ll leave this weekend feeling confident in your ability to take a break in a bluegrass jam.
Taught on guitar but open to all instruments, Ryan starts with just four notes you can use to create a musical, convincing solo in nearly any song. From there, we’ll explore how adding one more note at a time can unlock a world of musical options.
Get ready to level up your musicianship—and say “yes, please” instead of “no thanks” when the next break comes your way.
Students should have a basic competence on their instruments, knowing the basic cowboy chords necessary to play most typical bluegrass songs. Guitarists, dobros, and banjo players should bring a capo to class just like they would to a jam and bluegrass banjo players will find it helpful to know about the common 5th string spike, tuning, and capo strategies needed to play in common bluegrass keys.
Ryan Harlin is a songwriter, producer, and music educator whose music has been featured in top gaming franchises like League of Legends, Valorant, and Dancing With the Stars. His work has been profiled in Rolling Stone, Smithsonian Magazine, and The Bluegrass Breakdown. More than anything, Ryan is passionate about helping others make music together. This passion has inspired him to create online music education videos viewed by millions, and to teach regularly at Walker Creek Music Camp, the California Bluegrass Association’s Summer Music Camp, The Great 48 in Bakersfield, the Cline Bluegrass Festival, and the Folk Farm Music School.